Observations from Iraq, Iran, Israel, the Arab world and beyond

IRAN: At least 24 journalists arrested since disputed election

At least 24 journalists have been arrested in Iran since the start of protests last week against disputed election results, according to news organizations and a media watchdog.

The Paris-based Reporters Without Borders today released the names of 23 arrested journalists and bloggers, including the head of the Assn. of Iranian Journalists, Ali Mazroui.

Newsweek magazine later posted a statement saying that its correspondent, Maziar Bahari, a Canadian, was detained without charge this morning and has not been heard from since. Newsweek defended his coverage of Iran as "fair and nuanced" and called for his release.

BBC says its correspondent, Jon Leyne, has been ordered to leave within 24 hours. But the British broadcaster says its Tehran bureau will remain open.

Iran’s leadership has repeatedly accused Western journalists and their governments of fomenting the unrest over the reelection of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in a vote marred by allegations of fraud.

Since the June 12 poll, authorities have revoked the credentials of foreign journalists and barred reporters from the streets. Many websites have also been blocked.

Much of the news now coming out of Iran is being relayed by so-called citizen journalists who post pictures and videos on Internet sites such as Twitter, Facebook and YouTube.